Automotive air conditioner and instrument panel module

ABSTRACT

A casing  1  of an automotive air conditioner is formed with a recess  12  for accommodating a steering member S extending in a right-left direction of a vehicle. The casing  1  is divided into an instrument panel-side part Rp and a fire panel-side part Fp with the recess  12  as a boundary.

[0001] This application is a division of application Ser. No. 10/204,098filed Aug. 15, 2002, which is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35USC 371 of International Application No. PCT/JP00/04357 filed Jun. 30,2000.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to an automotive air conditioner and aninstrument panel module, and more particularly to an automotive airconditioner and an instrument panel module which can cope with a changein the location of a steering member.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003]FIG. 28 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventionalautomotive air conditioner.

[0004] This automotive air conditioner is arranged in a space defined byan instrument panel (not shown), a floor panel Fl, and a fire panel Fi.

[0005] The fire panel Fi divides between an engine room ER and acompartment R, while the floor panel forms the floor of the compartmentR. The automotive air conditioner and the instrument panel are locatedwithin the compartment R.

[0006] A steering member S is located between the instrument panel andthe automotive air conditioner.

[0007] This automotive air conditioner has a casing 501 in which areaccommodated a blower 503, an evaporator 505, an air-mixing door 506,and a heater core 507.

[0008] The casing-501 is formed with a defroster outlet d, a vent outletv, and a foot outlet f.

[0009] The defroster outlet d and the vent outlet v are located in anupper part of the casing 501, while the foot outlet f is located in alower part of the same Air is blown into the cabin space of thecompartment R from the respective outlets d, v, f via ducts (not shown).

[0010] On an automotive assembly line, when the automotive airconditioner, the steering member S, and the like are mounted on anautomotive vehicle, the automotive air conditioner is mounted first. Indoing this, ends of pipes of an evaporator 505 and a heater core 507 areprojected via holes of the fire panel into the engine room.

[0011] Next, the steering member S is mounted.

[0012] Finally, the instrument panel is laid over the steering member Sand the automotive air conditioner, and an upper part of the instrumentpanel is screwed to a cowl, while a lower part of the instrument panelis screwed to the floor panel Fl.

[0013] From the viewpoint of safety in collision in recent years, avehicle came into existence which has a steering member arranged in alocation lower than and ahead of that of the steering member S shown inFIG. 28.

[0014] In this kind of vehicle, the space in which only the automotivevehicle alone has been installed is crossed by the steering member S.

[0015] As a result, when an attempt is made to first mount theautomotive air conditioner on the vehicle, and then mount the steeringmember S, the steering member S is interfered with the automotive airconditioner, and hence cannot be mounted. Inversely, when an attempt ismade to first mount the steering member S on the vehicle, and then mountthe automotive air conditioner, the automotive air conditioner isinterfered with the steering S and cannot be mounted.

[0016] As described above, a change in the mounting location of thesteering member S has brought about a problem that both the airconditioner and the steering member S cannot be installed on thevehicle.

[0017] The present invention has been made in view of thesecircumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an automotive airconditioner and an instrument panel module which can cope with a changein the mounting location of the steering member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized by comprising a casing having at least one ofair-introducing means for introducing air, blowing means for blowing theair from the air-introducing means, cooling means for cooling the airintroduced by the blowing means from the air-introducing means, heatingmeans for heating the air introduced by the blowing means from theair-introducing means, and air-distributing means for distributing thecooled air or the heated air, and a steering member-accommodatingportion formed in the casing, for accommodating a steering memberextending in a right-left direction of a vehicle.

[0019] Preferably, the casing can be divided at least into an instrumentside panel part adjacent to an instrument panel and a fire panel-sidepart adjacent to a fire panel.

[0020] An automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized by comprising a casing having at least one ofair-introducing means for introducing air, blowing means for blowing theair from the air-introducing means, cooling means for cooling the airintroduced by the blowing means from the air-introducing means, heatingmeans for heating the air introduced by the blowing means from theair-introducing means, and air-distributing means for distributing thecooled air or the heated air, and a steering memberinterference-avoiding portion formed in the casing, for avoidinginterference with a steering member extending in a right-left directionof a vehicle.

[0021] Preferably, the casing can be divided at least into an instrumentpanel-side part adjacent to an instrument panel and a fire panel-sidepart adjacent to a fire panel.

[0022] An automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized by comprising a casing having at least one ofair-introducing means for introducing air, blowing means for blowing theair from the air-introducing means, cooling means for cooling the airintroduced by the blowing means from the air-introducing means, heatingmeans for heating the air introduced by the blowing means from theair-introducing means, and air-distributing means for distributing thecooled air or the heated air, and a steering member-arranging spaceportion formed in the casing, for arranging therein a steering memberextending in a right-left direction of a vehicle, wherein the casing canbe divided at least into an instrument panel-side part adjacent to aninstrument panel and a fire panel-side part adjacent to a fire panel.

[0023] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-accommodating portion is ahole extending through the casing in the right-left direction of thevehicle or a recess formed in an outer surface of the casing in theright-left direction of the vehicle.

[0024] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member interference-avoidingportion is a hole extending through the casing in the right-leftdirection of the vehicle or a recess formed in an outer surface of thecasing in the right-left direction of the vehicle.

[0025] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-arranging space portion isa hole extending through the casing in the right-left direction of thevehicle or a recess formed in an outer surface of the casing in theright-left direction of the vehicle.

[0026] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the instrument panel-side part can be removedin one direction.

[0027] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that air conditioner components including thecooling means, the heating means, and the air-distributing means aresystematically classified into groups, and that ones of the airconditioner components belonging to a first group are assigned to theinstrument panel-side part, and ones of the air conditioner componentsbelonging to a second group are assigned to the fire panel-side part.

[0028] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the instrument panel-side part can be removedin one direction, that air conditioner components including the coolingmeans, the heating means, and the air-distributing means aresystematically classified into groups, and that ones of the airconditioner components belonging to a first group are assigned to theinstrument panel-side part, and ones of the air conditioner componentsbelonging to a second group are assigned to the fire panel-side part.

[0029] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the fire panel-side part is commonly usable ina plurality of kinds of vehicles, and the instrument panel-side part isusable for only a specific kind of vehicles.

[0030] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that division into the instrument panel-side partand the fire panel-side part is effected using the steeringmember-accommodating portion as a boundary.

[0031] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that division into the instrument panel-side partand the fire panel-side part is effected using the steering memberinterference-avoiding portion as a boundary.

[0032] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that division into the instrument panel-side partand the fire panel-side part is effected using the steeringmember-arranging space portion as a boundary.

[0033] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the one belonging to the first group is theair-distributing means, that the ones belonging to the second group arethe cooling means and the heating means, that the air-distributing meanscomprises a mode door for opening and closing an air outlet opening ofthe casing and a drive mechanism for driving the mode door, and that thecooling means and the heating means are both heat exchangers.

[0034] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the one belonging to the first group is theair-distributing means, that the one belonging to the second group isthe heating means, that the air-distributing means comprises a mode doorfor opening and closing an air outlet opening of the casing and a drivemechanism for driving the mode door, and that the heating means is aheat exchanger.

[0035] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the ones belonging to the first group are theheating means and the air-distributing means, that the one belonging tothe second group is the cooling means, that the heating means is anelectric heater, that the air-distributing means comprises a mode doorfor opening and closing an air outlet opening of the casing and a drivemechanism for opening and closing the mode door, and that the coolingmeans is a heat exchanger.

[0036] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-accommodating portion islocated between the blowing means and the cooling means.

[0037] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-accommodating portion islocated between the cooling means and the heating means.

[0038] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-accommodating portion islocated downstream of an air passage of the heating means.

[0039] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-accommodating portion islocated above the heating means in a vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0040] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-accommodating portion islocated in a mixing space wherein air having passed through the coolingmeans and air having passed through the heating means are mixed witheach other.

[0041] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-accommodating portion islocated within an intake box forming part of the air-introducing means.

[0042] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member interference-avoidingportion is located between the blowing means and the cooling means.

[0043] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member interference-avoidingportion is located between the cooling means and the heating means.

[0044] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member interference-avoidingportion is located downstream of an air passage of the heating means.

[0045] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member interference-avoidingportion is located above the heating means in a vertical direction ofthe vehicle.

[0046] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member interference-avoidingportion is located in a mixing space wherein air having passed throughthe cooling means and air having passed through the heating means aremixed with each other.

[0047] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member interference-avoidingportion is located within an intake box forming part of theair-introducing means.

[0048] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-arranging space portion islocated between the blowing means and the cooling means.

[0049] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-arranging space portion islocated between the cooling means and the heating means.

[0050] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-arranging space portion islocated downstream of an air passage of the heating means.

[0051] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-arranging space portion islocated above the heating means in a vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0052] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-arranging space portion islocated in a mixing space wherein air having passed through the coolingmeans and air having passed through the heating means are mixed witheach other.

[0053] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the steering member-arranging space portion islocated within an intake box forming part of the air-introducing means.

[0054] An automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized by comprising a casing having at least one ofair-introducing means for introducing air, blowing means for blowing theair from the air-introducing means, cooling means for cooling the airintroduced by the blowing means from the air-introducing means, heatingmeans for heating the air introduced by the blowing means from theair-introducing means, and air-distributing means for distributing thecooled air or the heated air, and a rigid portion formed integrally withthe casing and forming part of a steering member extending in aright-left direction of a vehicle.

[0055] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the weight of the casing is divided betweenfront and rear portions of the vehicle with the steering member as acenter.

[0056] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the casing can be divided at least into aninstrument panel-side part adjacent to an instrument panel and a firepanel-side part adjacent to a fire panel.

[0057] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the instrument panel-side part can be removedin one direction.

[0058] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that air conditioner components including thecooling means, the heating means, and the air-distributing means aresystematically classified into groups, and that ones of the airconditioner components belonging to a first group are assigned to theinstrument panel-side part, and ones of the air conditioner componentsbelonging to a second group are assigned to the fire panel-side part.

[0059] The automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that the fire panel-side part is commonly usable ina plurality of kinds of vehicles, and the instrument panel-side part isusable for only a specific kind of vehicles.

[0060] An instrument panel module according to the present invention ischaracterized in that the automotive air conditioner is integrallyprovided on the instrument panel.

[0061] An automotive air conditioner according to the present inventionis characterized in that in an automotive air conditioner having acooling heat exchanger and a heater arranged within a unit casingsequentially from a front side of a vehicle toward a rear side of thevehicle, the unit casing is formed with an interference avoiding portionfor avoiding interference with a steering member extending in aright-left direction of the vehicle, and the unit casing is divided intoa front casing part and a rear casing part with the interferenceavoiding portion as a boundary.

[0062] The automotive air conditioner according to the invention ischaracterized in that the cooling heat exchanger is accommodated withinthe front casing part, and the heater is accommodated within the rearcasing part, the interference avoiding portion forming a hole extendingthrough the unit casing in the right-left direction of the vehicle, theinterference avoiding portion being located in an air passage extendingfrom the cooling heat exchanger to the heater at a substantiallyintermediate location with respect to a vertical direction of thevehicle.

[0063] The automotive air conditioner according to the invention ischaracterized in that an air-mixing door is arranged between the coolingheat exchanger and the heater, the air-mixing door being accommodatedwithin the rear casing part, the front casing part and the rear casingpart each permitting division into a right part and a left part withrespect to the right-left direction of the vehicle, a pair of the partsforming the rear casing part being fixed in a vicinity of theinterference avoiding means in the right-left direction of the vehicleby fixing means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0064]FIG. 1 is a plan view of an automotive air conditioner accordingto a first embodiment of the invention;

[0065]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on line II-II of FIG. 1;

[0066]FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotive airconditioner according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0067]FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotive airconditioner according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0068]FIG. 5 (a) is a view of a dividing surface of a fire panel-sidepart as viewed from an instrument panel side, and FIG. 5 (b) is a viewof a dividing surface of an instrument panel-side part as viewed from afire panel side;

[0069] FIGS. 6 (a) to (e) are views showing cross-sectional shapes ofholes;

[0070]FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotive airconditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0071]FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotive airconditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0072]FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotive airconditioner according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

[0073]FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

[0074]FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to an eighth embodiment of the invention;

[0075]FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to a ninth embodiment of the-invention;

[0076]FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to a tenth embodiment of the invention;

[0077]FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention;

[0078]FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention;

[0079]FIG. 16 is a plan view of an automotive air conditioner accordingto a thirteenth embodiment of the invention;

[0080]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken on line XVII-XVII of FIG.16;

[0081]FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention;

[0082]FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an automotive air conditioneraccording to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention;

[0083]FIG. 20 is a plan view of an automotive air conditioner accordingto a sixteenth embodiment of the invention;

[0084]FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken on line XXI-XXI of FIG.20;

[0085]FIG. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to a seventeenth embodiment of the invention;

[0086]FIG. 23 (a) is a side view of an instrument panel-side part, andFIG. 23 (b) is a view of the instrument panel-side part as viewed from afire panel side;

[0087]FIG. 24 (a) is a perspective view of a rigid portion of a casing,and FIG. 24 (b) is a transverse cross-sectional view of the rigidportion;

[0088]FIG. 25 is a view of an instrument panel-side part of anautomotive air conditioner according to an eighteenth embodiment of theinvention as viewed from a fire panel-side part;

[0089]FIG. 26 is a view showing a separated state of an instrument panelmodule according to a nineteenth embodiment of the invention;

[0090]FIG. 27 is a view showing an assembled state of an instrumentpanel module; and

[0091]FIG. 28 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventionalautomotive air conditioner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] The invention will now be described in detail with reference todrawings showing preferred embodiments thereof.

[0093]FIG. 1 is a plan view of an automotive air conditioner according afirst embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional viewtaken on line II-II of FIG. 1.

[0094] This automotive air conditioner is received in a space defined byan instrument panel IP, a cowl Ca, a fire panel Fi, and a floor panelFl.

[0095] The fire panel Fi divides between an engine room ER and acompartment R, while the floor panel Fl forms the floor of thecompartment R. This automotive air conditioner and the instrument. panelIP are located within the compartment R.

[0096] A steering member S is arranged at a location lower than andahead of that of the conventional steering member S (see FIG. 28).

[0097] This automotive air conditioner has a casing 1 formed with arecess (steering member-accommodating portion) 2 for receiving thesteering member S extending in a right-left direction RL of the vehicle.The steering member-accommodating portion may be formed by a hole TH asshown in FIG. 4 etc., instead of the recess 2. The recess 2 or the holeTH provides a space portion for arranging the steering member S therein(steering member-arranging space portion), or a relief portion foravoiding the interference with the steering member S (steering memberinterference-avoiding portion).

[0098] The casing 1 is divided into two parts, a fire panel-side part Fpand an instrument panel-side part Rp, with the recess 2 as a boundary.The recess 2 of the casing 1 has an anti-vibration lining L attachedthereto for absorbing vibrations transmitted to the casing via thesteering member when the vehicle is traveling.

[0099] The dividing surface 1 a of the fire panel-side part Fp and thedividing surface 1 b of the instrument panel-side part are coupled toeach other under pressure by means of fixing means (not shown), such asscrews, via a sealing member, such as urethane resin, thereby forming asingle unit of the casing 1. This structure is also common to otherembodiments (except a tenth embodiment, an eleventh embodiment, and atwelfth embodiment) including a second embodiment, describedhereinafter. In FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, the dividingsurfaces 1 a and 1 b are shown separate from each other.

[0100] The fire panel-side part Fp has a blower (blowing means) 3 and anevaporator (cooling means) 5. An intake box 4 forming part ofair-introducing means is connected to the he fire panel-side part Fp.The intake box 4 is formed with an internal air-introducing port and anexternal air-introducing port, neither of which is shown, and aninternal/external air-switching door, not shown, is provided within theintake box 4. The air-introducing means comprises the intake box 4 andthe internal/external air-switching door.

[0101] The blower 3 has a fan 3 a for sending air introduced into theintake box to the evaporator 5. Part of a motor 3 b for rotating the fan3 a protrudes out of the casing 1.

[0102] The evaporator 5 is a heat exchanger for cooling air from the fan3 a.

[0103] The instrument panel-side part Rp has an air-mixing door 6, aheater core (heating means) 7, and mode doors M1, M2 (air-distributingmeans).

[0104] The air-mixing door 6 adjusts the proportion between air passingthrough the heater core 7 and air not passing through the same.

[0105] The heater core 7 is a heat exchanger for heating air from theevaporator 5.

[0106] The instrument panel-side part Rp is provided with a defrosteroutlet d, a vent outlet v, and a foot outlet f.

[0107] The defroster outlet d and the vent outlet v are located in anupper part of the instrument panel-side part Rp, and the foot outlet fis located in a lower part of the instrument panel-side part Rp, wherebythe air is distributed into the cabin space of the compartment R fromthe respective outlets d, v, f via ducts Dd, Dv, and a duct portion Df.The outlets d, v, f are opened and closed by the mode doors M1, M2.

[0108] It should be noted that the fire panel-side part Fp and theinstrument panel-side part Rp can be each divided in the right-leftdirection RL of the vehicle, and the left and right casing componentparts constituting the fire panel-side part Fp and the instrumentpanel-side part Rp are fixed in the right-left direction by fixing means(not shown), such as tapping screws. This feature of the constructioncommonly applies to the other embodiments of the invention including asecond embodiment.

[0109] Then, instrument panel-side part Rp is joined to the firepanel-side part Fp.

[0110] Next, a procedure of assembling the automotive air conditioner,the steering member S and so forth with a vehicle on a vehicle assemblyline will be described.

[0111] First, the fire panel-side part Fp and the instrument panel-sidepart Rp of the automotive air conditioner are mounted on the vehicle. Atthis time, the fire panel-side part Fp is fixed to the fire panel Fi bybolts, and a connector 9 of a refrigerant pipe 7 a of the evaporator 5is fixed to the fire panel Fi. The refrigerant pipe 7 a is connected toa refrigerant pipe 7 b of the engine room ER.

[0112] Next, the steering member S is mounted on the vehicle. At thistime, the steering member S is brought into contact with theanti-vibration lining L of the fire panel-side part Fp. At this time, aconnector 10 of a hot water pipe 8 a of the heater core 7 is fixed tothe fire panel Fi. The hot water pipe 8 a is connected to a hot waterpipe 8 b of the engine room ER.

[0113] By joining of the instrument panel-side part Rp and the firepanel-side part Fp, one recess 2 is formed, and the steering member S isreceived in this recess 2. The steering member S at this time is held bythe anti-vibration lining L attached to the fire panel-side part Fp andthe anti-vibration lining L attached to the instrument panel-side partRp.

[0114] Finally, the instrument panel IP is laid over the automotive airconditioner, and the upper part of the instrument panel IP is screwed tothe cowl Ca and the instrument panel-side part Rp, while the lower partof the instrument panel IP is screwed to the floor panel Fl.

[0115] Next, the operation of the automotive air conditioner describedabove will be described.

[0116] When the air-mixing door 6 and the mode doors M1, M2 are inrespective positions indicated by solid lines, as shown in FIG. 2, acold air bypass passage C is blocked, and all the air having passedthrough the evaporator 5 flows toward the heater core 7. The air isheated when passing through the heater core 7, and flows through theduct portion Df to the foot outlet f, from which it is blown into thecabin space of the compartment R.

[0117] When the air-mixing door 6 and the mode door M2 are in respectivepositions indicated by phantom lines in FIG. 2, and the mode door M1 isin a position indicated by solid lines in the same, the air havingpassed through the evaporator 5 does not pass through the heater core 7but pass through the cold air bypass passage C to the vent outlet V,from which the air flows through the duct Dv and is blown into the cabinspace of the compartment R.

[0118] According to this first embodiment, since the casing 1 is formedwith the recess 2 as the steering member-accommodating portion, even ifthe location of the steering member S is shifted to a position in whichthe steering member S crosses the space for installation of theautomotive air conditioner, it is possible to mount the steering memberS and the automotive air conditioner on the vehicle (effects (1)).

[0119] Further, since the casing 1 is configured such that it can bedivided into the fire panel-side part Fp and the instrument panel-sidepart Rp, the whole automotive air conditioner is not required to beremoved from the vehicle when the maintenance is carried out, wherebythe workability is improved, and the working hours and manufacturingcosts can be reduced (effects (2)). For instance, in this embodiment,when maintenance is carried out for the heater core 7, it is onlyrequired to detach the instrument panel-side part Rp from the vehiclewithout removing the fire panel-side part Fp from the same. Therefore,it is not necessary to separate the refrigerant pipe 7 a of the engineroom R from the refrigerant pipe 7 b of the engine room ER, nor toremove electric chords, not shown, of the floor 3, the intake box 4,etc., which reduces working hours, and manufacturing costs. Further, itis no longer necessary to drain the refrigerant, which meets therequirement of saving of resources.

[0120] Further, the weight of the casing 1 is distributed in thefront-rear direction BB of the vehicle with the steering member S as thecenter. Therefore, when the assembled unit of the instrument panel-sidepart Rp, the steering member S, and the fire panel-side part Fp ismounted on the vehicle, the inclination of the casing 1 suspended on thesteering member S is smaller than the conventional one, so that theinstallation of the automotive air conditioner on the vehicle isfacilitated, and the structure for connecting the casing 1 to thesteering member S can be simplified since brackets and the like can bedispensed with (effects (3)).

[0121] Further, since the instrument panel-side part Rp can be pulledout in one direction, it is easy to mount and remove the instrumentpanel-side part Rp, and no large space is required for the operations ofmounting and removing the same. Further, the fire panel-side part Fp andthe instrument panel-side part Rp are hard to be misaligned at thejoined portion thereof, which improves the sealing property (effects(4)).

[0122] Further, the fire panel-side part Fp and the instrumentpanel-side part Rp are configured such that the fire panel-side part Fpis commonly usable in a plurality of kinds of vehicles, and only theinstrument panel-side part Rp is dedicatedly usable in a specific. kindof vehicles, so that the number of steps of designing the casing can bereduced and the cost of molds or dies of the casing can be reduced(effects (5)).

[0123] Further, since the casing is divided into the fire panel-sidepart Fp and the instrumental panel side-part Rp with the recess 2 as theboundary, the brackets and the like can be dispensed with, and thecoupling of the casing 1 and the steering member S becomes easy (effects(6)).

[0124]FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotive airconditioner according to the second embodiment of the invention. In FIG.3, illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, the fire panelFi, and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component parts common tothose in the first embodiment are designated by identical referencenumerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0125] In the second embodiment, the steering member S is positioned ata location lower than the steering member S shown in FIG. 2, andaccordingly, a recess (steering member-accommodating portion) 12 isformed in a lower portion of a casing 11 with respect to the verticaldirection HL of the vehicle.

[0126] According to the second embodiment, the same effects as providedby the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0127]FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotive airconditioner according to a third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 (a)is a view of a dividing surface of a fire panel-side part as viewed froman instrument panel side, and FIG. 5 (b) is a view of a dividing surfaceof an instrument panel-side part as viewed from a fire panel side. FIGS.6 (a) to (e) are views showing cross-sectional shapes of holes. In FIG.4, illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, the fire panelFi, and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component parts common tothose in the first embodiment are designated by identical referencenumerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0128] A casing 21 of the automotive air conditioner according to thisembodiment is divided into the two parts of the fire panel-side part Fpand the instrument panel-side part Rp with a hole (steeringmember-accommodating portion) TH as a boundary. The dividing surface 1 aof the fire panel-side part Fp and the dividing surface 1 b of theinstrument panel-side part Rp are formed with respectivesemi-cylindrical hollow portions, and one hollow cylindrical portion 22is formed when the two dividing surfaces 1 a, 1 b are joined to eachother. The hollow cylindrical portion 22 forms the hole TH extendingthrough the casing 21 in the right-left direction RL of the vehicle. Thehollow cylindrical portion 22 extends in a cold air bypass passage C ata substantially intermediate location with respect to the verticaldirection HL of the vehicle, so that branch passages C1, C2 are formedabove and below the hollow cylindrical portion 22.

[0129] It should be noted that there are other shapes of the hole TH asshown in FIGS. 6 (b) to 6 (e), in addition to that shown in FIG. 6 (a).The shapes shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (b) are circular, substantiallyelliptical, substantially oval, substantially droplet-shaped, andsubstantially wing-shaped, respectively.

[0130] Further, the fire panel-side part Fp and the instrumentpanel-side part Rp can be each divided in the right-left direction RL ofthe vehicle, and these parts Fp and Rp are formed by right and leftcasing components 20 a, 20 b and right and left casing components 23 a,23 b, respectively.

[0131] The outer peripheral surface of the hollow cylindrical portion 22of the instrument panel-side part Rp is formed with a projection 25having a through hole formed therethrough. A tapping screw (fixingmeans) 26 inserted into the through hole connects the right and leftcasing components 23 a, 23 b in the right-left direction RL of thevehicle.

[0132] The fire panel-side part Fp accommodates the fan 3 a and theevaporator 5.

[0133] The instrument panel-side part Rp accommodates the air-mixingdoors 6 a, 6 b and the heater core 7.

[0134] The air-mixing doors 6 a, 6 b are for adjusting the proportionbetween air passing through the heater core 7 and air not passingthrough the same. The air-mixing door 6 a is located above the hollowcylindrical portion 22, and the air-mixing door 6 b is located below thehollow cylindrical portion 22. These doors are opened and closed inrespective predetermined timings.

[0135] The instrument panel-side part Rp is provided with the defrosteroutlet d, the vent outlet v, and the foot outlet f.

[0136] The defroster outlet d and the vent outlet v are located in theupper part of the instrument panel-side part Rp, and the foot outlet fis located in the lower part of the instrument panel-side part Rp. Theoutlets d, e, f are opened and closed by the mode doors M1, M2.

[0137] The instrument panel-side part Rp has a sheet surface 24integrally formed therewith, for the air-mixing doors 6 a, 6 b.

[0138] When the air-mixing doors 6 a, 6 b and the mode doors M1, M2 arein respective positions indicated by solid lines, as shown in FIG. 4,the branch passages C1, C2 are blocked, and all the air having passedthrough the evaporator 5 flows through the heater core 7. The air isheated when passing through the heater core 7, and flows to the footoutlet f. By varying the degree of opening of the air-mixing door 6 b,for instance, the flow rate of air passing through the heater core 7 canbe adjusted to adjust the temperature of the air blown out from the footoutlet f.

[0139] When the air-mixing doors 6 a, 6 b and the mode doors M1, M2 arein respective positions indicated by phantom lines in FIG. 4, and theair having passed through the evaporator 5 does not pass through theheater core 7 but pass through the branch passages C1, C2 to the ventoutlet V. By varying the degree of opening of the air-mixing door 6 b,for instance, the flow rate of air passing through the heater core 7 canbe adjusted to adjust the temperature of the air blown out from the ventoutlet f.

[0140] According to the third embodiment, the same effects as providedby the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0141] The air cooled by the evaporator 5 is divided by the hollowcylindrical portion 22 into upper and lower streams, and the cold airbypass passage leading from the evaporator 5 to the heater core 7 cansecure a large cross-sectional area, so that the resistance to the airflow can be decreased to increase the quantity of air and reduce thenoise.

[0142] Further, the tapping screw 26 brings the right and left casingcomponents 23 a, 23 b into secure and intimate contact with each otherin the vicinity of the hollow cylindrical portion 22, so that it ispossible to prevent leakage of air from the joint between the right andleft casing components 23 a, 23 b.

[0143] Further, since the two air-mixing doors 6 a, 6 b are used, it ispossible to easily carry out temperature adjustment by changing theopening and closing timing of the air-mixing doors 6 a, 6 b withoutproviding a fixing guide member.

[0144] Further, due to the use of the two air-mixing doors, thedimension or size of each of the air-mixing doors 6 a, 6 b can be madesmaller than that of the air-mixing door 6 of the first embodiment. Thismakes it possible to make the dimension of the casing 21 in thefront-rear direction BB of the casing 21 smaller than that in the firstembodiment.

[0145] Moreover, by forming the cross-section of the hole TH into one ofshapes shown in FIGS. 6 (b) to 6 (e), the flow of air through the casing21 is made smoother than that provided when it has the shape shown inFIG. 6 (a).

[0146] Furthermore, a wire harness W can be assembled with the hole THformed by the hollow cylindrical portion 22 together with the steeringmember S. This contributes to efficient use of space.

[0147]FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotive airconditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. In FIG.7, illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, the fire panelFi, and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component parts common tothose in the first and third embodiments are designated by identicalreference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0148] In the third embodiment described above, the steering member S issingle, but in the fourth embodiment, there are two steering members S.The lower one of the two steering members S is the same that used in thethird embodiment, while the upper one of them is received in a recess(steering member-accommodating portion) 32 formed at a location upstreamof the defroster outlet d. The recess 32 is formed in an upper portionof the instrument panel side-part Rp.

[0149] According to the fourth embodiment, the same advantageous effectsas provided by the third embodiment can be obtained.

[0150]FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotive airconditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 8,illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, the fire panel Fi,and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component parts common to thosein the first embodiment are designated by identical reference numeralsand description thereof is omitted.

[0151] In the fifth embodiment, the hole (steering member-accommodatingportion) TH formed by a hollow cylindrical portion 32 is located betweenthe evaporator 5 and the fan 3 a of the blower 3. This enables a casing41 to be divided into the fire panel side-part Fp and the instrumentpanel-side part Rp in the front-rear direction BB of the vehicle withthe hole TH accommodating the steering member S as a boundary.

[0152] In this fifth embodiment, air conditioner components, such as theevaporator 5, the air-mixing door 6, the heater core 7, and the modedoors M1, M2, are classified from the viewpoint of maintainability(systematically classified) into groups, whereby the evaporator 5 andthe heater core 7 belonging to piping-related air conditioner components(first group) are assigned to the fire panel-side part Fp, while theair-mixing door 6, and the mode doors M1, M2 belonging tomechanism-related air conditioner components (second group) are assignedto the instrument panel-side part Rp.

[0153] According to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the effectsprovided by the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain the followingeffects:

[0154] The air conditioner components including the evaporator 5, theheater core 7, and the mode doors M1, M2, are classified from theviewpoint of maintainability (systematically classified) into thepiping-related group and the mechanism-related group, and airconditioner components belonging to the piping-related group areassigned to the fire panel-side part Fp, while air conditionercomponents belonging to the mechanism-related group are assigned to theinstrument panel-side part Rp. This makes it unnecessary to remove thewhole automotive air conditioner from the vehicle when the maintenanceis carried out, whereby the operability is improved, and the workinghours and manufacturing costs can be reduced (effects (7)). In the fifthembodiment, the air-mixing door 6 and the mode doors M1, M2 are assignedto the instrument panel-side part Rp, and the evaporator 5 and theheater core 7 are assigned to the fire panel-side part Fp. This makes itonly necessary, when the maintenance of the air-mixing door 6 and themode doors M1, M2 is carried out, that only the instrument panel-sidepart Rp is removed, leaving the fire panel-side part Fp on the vehicle.Therefore, it is not necessary to separate the refrigerant pipe 7 a ofthe compartment R and the refrigerant pip 7 b of the engine room ER fromeach other, separate a hot water pipe 8 a of the compartment R and a hotwater pipe 8b of the compartment ER from each other, or remove electricchords (not shown) of the blower 3. Therefore, the working hours andmanufacturing costs are reduced. Further, it is unnecessary to drain therefrigerant gas and the engine coolant, which meets the requirement ofsaving of resources.

[0155] Although in the fifth embodiment, the air conditioner componentsare classified from the viewpoint of maintainability (systematicallyclassified) into groups, this is not limitative, but they may beclassified from the viewpoint of ease of operation of mounting them on avehicle, in another embodiment of the invention.

[0156] Further, although in the fifth and other embodiments describedabove, a heat exchanger (heater core 7) is used as heating means, thisis not limitative, but an electric heater, not shown, may be employed asthe heating means. When the electric heater is employed in place of theheat exchanger, in the first, second, third, fourth, seventh, and eighthembodiments, the air conditioner components belonging to thepiping-related group are assigned to the fire panel-side part Fp, andthose belonging to other than the piping-related group are assigned tothe instrument panel-side part Rp, so that this manner of assignmentresults in the classification into groups from the viewpoint of themaintainability (systematic classification).

[0157]FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotive airconditioner according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 9,illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, the fire panel Fi,and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component parts common to thosein the first embodiment are designated by identical reference numeralsand description thereof is omitted.

[0158] In the sixth embodiment, a hole (steering member-accommodatingportion) TH formed by a hollow cylindrical portion 42 is located abovethe heater core 7 or within the air-mixing space. A casing 51 isconfigured such that it can be divided into a fire panel-side part Fpand an instrument panel-side part Rp with the hole TH accommodating thesteering member S as a boundary.

[0159] This sixth embodiment is the same as the fifth embodiment exceptfor the location of the hole TH and the manner of division.

[0160] According to the sixth embodiment, the same advantageous effectsas provided by the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

[0161]FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 10, illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, the firepanel Fi, and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component parts commonto those in the first embodiment are designated by identical referencenumerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0162] In the seventh embodiment, a hole (steering member-accommodatingportion) TH formed by a hollow cylindrical portion 52 is located abovethe heater core 7 or within the air-mixing space. A casing 61 isconfigured such that it can be divided in the front-rear direction BB ofthe vehicle into a fire panel-side part Fp and an instrument panel-sidepart Rp with the hole TH accommodating the steering member S as aboundary.

[0163] This seventh embodiment is the same as the sixth embodimentexcept for the manner of division.

[0164] According to the seventh embodiment, the same advantageouseffects as provided by the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0165]FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 11, illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, the firepanel Fi, and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component parts commonto those in the first embodiment are designated by identical referencenumerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0166] In the eighth embodiment, a hole (steering member-accommodatingportion) TH formed by a hollow cylindrical portion 62 is located withinan air-mixing space MX where air from a cold air bypass passage C meetwith air from a hot air bypass passage H. A casing 71 is configured suchthat it can be divided in the front-rear direction BB of the vehicleinto a fire panel-side part Fp and an instrument panel-side part Rp withthe hole TH accommodating the steering member S as a boundary.

[0167] The eighth embodiment is the same as the fifth embodiment exceptfor the location of the hole TH, the manner of division, and thelocation of the air-mixing door 6.

[0168] According to the eighth embodiment, the same advantageous effectsas provided by the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0169]FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to a ninth embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 12, illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, the firepanel Fi, and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component parts commonto those in the first embodiment are designated by identical referencenumerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0170] In the ninth embodiment, a hole (steering member-accommodatingportion) TH formed by a hollow cylindrical portion 72 is locateddownstream of the heater core 7. A casing 81 is configured such that itcan be divided in the front-rear direction BB of the vehicle into a firepanel-side part Fp and an instrument panel-side part Rp with the hole THaccommodating the steering member S as a boundary.

[0171] In the ninth embodiment, the instrument panel-side part Rp isformed by a foot duct portion Df and foot outlet f alone.

[0172] According to the ninth embodiment, the effects (1), (2), (5), and(6) described above can be obtained.

[0173]FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to a tenth embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 13, illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, the firepanel Fi, and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component parts commonto those in the first embodiment are designated by identical referencenumerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0174] In the tenth embodiment, a steering member S is received in arecess (steering member-accommodating portion) 82 formed upstream of adefroster outlet d of an instrument panel-side part Rp of a casing 91.By receiving the steering member S in the recess 82, the interference ofthe steering member S against the casing 91 is avoided.

[0175] The casing 91 is configured such that it can be divided in thefront-rear direction BB of the vehicle into a fire panel-side part Fpand the instrument panel-side part Rp.

[0176] According to the tenth embodiment, the effects (1) to (5), and(7) described above can be obtained.

[0177]FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 14, illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, the firepanel Fi, and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component parts commonto those in the first embodiment are designated by identical referencenumerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0178] In the eleventh embodiment, a steering member S is arranged in aspace (steering member-accommodating portion) 92 formed in a casing 101.

[0179] The casing 101 is configured such that it can be divided in thefront-rear direction BB of the vehicle into a fire panel-side part Fpand an instrument panel-side part Rp with the space 92 as a boundary.

[0180] According to the eleventh embodiment, the effects (1) to (5)described above can be obtained.

[0181]FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 15, illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, the firepanel Fi, and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component parts commonto those in the first embodiment are designated by identical referencenumerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0182] In the twelfth embodiment, a steering member S is received in arecess (steering member-accommodating portion) 102 formed upstream of avent outlet v of an instrument panel-side part Rp of a casing 111. Byreceiving the steering member S in the recess 102, the interference ofthe steering member S against the casing 111 is avoided.

[0183] In the twelfth embodiment, the casing 111 cannot be divided.

[0184] According to the tenth embodiment, the effects (1) describedabove can be obtained.

[0185]FIG. 16 is a plan view of an automotive air conditioner accordingto a thirteenth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 17 is across-sectional view taken on line XVII-XVII of FIG. 16. In thesefigures, illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, the firepanel Fi, and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component parts commonto those in the first embodiment are designated by identical referencenumerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0186] A blower unit 13 is connected to a blower connection port 121 aformed in a side face of a casing 121. The configuration for connectingthe blower unit 13 as a separate member from the casing to the side faceof the casing is common to those in the fourteenth and fifteenthembodiments.

[0187] A hole (steering member-accommodating portion) TH formed by ahollow cylindrical portion 112 is located above the heater core 7. Thecasing 121 is configured such that it can be divided into a firepanel-side part Fp and a instrument panel-side part Rp with the hole THas a boundary.

[0188] A defroster outlet d, a vent outlet v, and a foot outlet f areopened and closed by respective mode doors M1, M2, M3.

[0189] According to the thirteenth embodiment, the same effects asprovided by the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0190]FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention.In FIG. 18, illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, thefire panel Fi, and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component partscommon to those in the first embodiment are designated by identicalreference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0191] The fourteenth embodiment is distinguished from the thirteenthembodiment in that the evaporator 5 and the heater core 7 are arrangedin the vertical direction HL of the vehicle, and a blower connectionport 131 a of a casing 131 is located below the evaporator 5.

[0192] In the fourteenth embodiment, air conditioner componentsaccommodated within the casing 131, such as the evaporator 5, theair-mixing door 6, the heater core 7, and the mode doors M1, M2, areclassified from the viewpoint of maintainability (systematicallyclassified) into groups, whereby the evaporator 5 and the heater core 7belonging to piping-related air conditioner components (first group) areassigned to a fire panel-side part Fp, while the air-mixing door 6, andthe mode doors M1, M2 belonging to mechanism-related air conditionercomponents (second group) are assigned to an instrument panel-side partRp. In this respect, this embodiment is common to the fifth embodiment.

[0193] A hole (steering member-accommodating portion) TH formed by ahollow cylindrical portion 122 is located within an air-mixing space MX.The casing 131 is configured such that it can be divided into the firepanel-side part Fp and the instrument panel-side part Rp with the holeTH as a boundary. The blower unit is connected to a blower connectionport 131 a of the casing 131.

[0194] According to the fourteenth embodiment, the same effects asprovided by the fifth embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0195]FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 19, illustration of the instrument panel IP, the cowl Ca, the firepanel Fi, and the floor panel Fl is omitted. The component parts commonto those in the first embodiment are designated by identical referencenumerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0196] The construction of the fifteen embodiment is substantially thesame as the fourteenth embodiment.

[0197] A hole (steering member-accommodating portion) TH formed by ahollow cylindrical portion 132 is located within an air-mixing space MX.A casing 141 is configured such that it can be divided into a firepanel-side part Fp and an instrument panel-side part Rp with the hole THas a boundary. The blower unit is connected to a blower connection port141 a of the casing 141.

[0198] According to the fifteenth embodiment, the same effects asprovided by the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

[0199]FIG. 20 is a plan view of an automotive air conditioner accordingto a sixteenth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectionalview taken on line XXI-XXI of FIG. 20.

[0200] A cooler unit 14 including the evaporator 5 is connected to acooler connection port 151 a formed in a side face of a casing 151, anda blower unit 13 is connected to a blower connection port, not shown,formed in a side face of the cooler unit 14.

[0201] Air conditioner components accommodated within the casing 151,such as the air-mixing doors 6 a, 6 b, the heater core 7 and the modedoors M1, M2, are classified from the viewpoint of maintainability(systematically classified) into groups, whereby the heater core 7belonging to piping-related air conditioner components (first group) areassigned to a fire panel-side part Fp, while the air-mixing doors 6 a, 6b, and the mode doors M1, M2 belonging to mechanism-related airconditioner components (second group) are assigned to an instrumentpanel-side part Rp.

[0202] A hole (steering member-accommodating portion) TH formed by ahollow cylindrical portion 142 is located within an air-mixing space MX.The casing 151 is configured such that it can be divided into the firepanel-side part Fp and the instrument panel-side part Rp with the holeTH as a boundary. The blower unit 13 is connected to a blower connectionport 151 a of the casing 151.

[0203] According to the sixteenth embodiment, the same effects asprovided by the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

[0204]FIG. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automotiveair conditioner according to a seventeenth embodiment of the invention.FIG. 23 (a) is a side view of an instrument panel-side part, and FIG. 23(b) is a view of the instrument panel-side part as viewed from a firepanel side. FIG. 24 (a) is a perspective view of a rigid portion of acasing, and FIG. 24 (b) is a transverse cross-sectional view of therigid portion. In these figures, illustration of the instrument panelIP, the cowl Ca, the fire panel Fi, and the floor panel Fl is omitted.The component parts common to those in the first embodiment aredesignated by identical reference numerals and description thereof isomitted.

[0205] The seventeen embodiment is common to the seventh embodimentshown in FIG. 10 except that the rigid portion 15 forming part of thesteering member S is integrally formed with the casing 161.

[0206] Now, portions of the present embodiment different from these ofthe FIG. 10 seventh embodiment will be described.

[0207] The rigid portion 15 in the form of a meshed hollow cylinder madeof a synthetic resin is integrally formed with a fire panel-side part Fpof a casing 161. The rigid portion 15 has hollow cylindrical portions 15a, 15 b and a flange 16 a of the hollow cylindrical portion 15 a isconnected to a flange 16 b of the hollow cylindrical portion 15 b, withscrews. Air can pass through the rigid portion 15 due to the meshedstructure thereof. Therefore, the resistance of the steering member tothe flow of air can be decreased. The rigid portion 15 has opposite endsthereof closed by respective flat portions 17 a, 17 b, and holds one endface of a steering member (not shown) mounted on an instrument panel IP.

[0208] According to the seventeenth embodiment, the same advantageouseffects as provided by the first embodiment can be obtained, and thereis no limitation in the order of operations for mounting the steeringmember and the casing (effects (8)).

[0209]FIG. 25 is a view of an instrument panel-side part of anautomotive air conditioner according to an eighteenth embodiment of theinvention as viewed from a fire panel side.

[0210] The eighteenth embodiment is distinguished from the seventeenthembodiment in that a steering member component part in the form of ahollow cylinder made of steel as a rigid portion 25 forming part of thesteering member S is integrally incorporated in a casing 171.

[0211] The rigid portion 25 has opposite ends thereof formed withflanges 26 a, 26 b.

[0212] The steering member (not shown) mounted on the instrument panelIP also has one end thereof formed with a flange.

[0213] When assemblage, both the flanges 26 a, 26 b are abutted on eachother, and then connected with screws.

[0214] According to the eighteenth embodiment, the same advantageouseffects as provided by the seventeenth embodiment can be obtained.

[0215]FIG. 26 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a separatedstate of an instrument panel module according to a nineteenth embodimentof the invention, and FIG. 27 is a view showing an assembled state ofthe instrument panel module. The component parts common to those in thefirst embodiment are designated by identical reference numerals anddescription thereof is omitted.

[0216] The nineteenth embodiment is characterized in that an instrumentpanel-side part Rp of a casing 181 is integrally connected to aninstrument panel IP to form the module.

[0217] A hole (steering member-accommodating portion) TH formed by ahollow cylindrical portion 152 is located above a heater core 7. Thecasing 181 is configured such that it can be divided into a firepanel-side part Fp and the instrument panel-side part Rp with the holeTH as a boundary.

[0218] The fire panel-side part Fp and the instrument panel-side part Rpare brought into firm contact with each other via a sealing member, suchas a urethane resin, and connected to each other by fixing means, suchas screws.

[0219] Air conditioner components accommodated within the casing 18,such as the evaporator 5, the air-mixing door 6 a, the heater core 7,and the mode doors M1, M2, M3 are classified in this embodiment from theviewpoint of maintainability (systematically classified) into groups,whereby the evaporator 5 and the heater core 7 belonging topiping-related air conditioner components (first group) are assigned tothe fire panel-side part Fp, while the air-mixing door 6, the mode doorsM1, M2, M3, and a drive mechanism 27 belonging to mechanism-related airconditioner components (second group) are assigned to the instrumentpanel-side part Rp.

[0220] The evaporator 5 has a refrigerant pipe 7 a connected thereto,and the heater core 7 has a hot water pipe 8 a connected thereto. Therefrigerant pipe 7 a and the hot water pipe 8 a are connected to arefrigerant pipe and a hot water pipe (not shown), respectively, on avehicle production line.

[0221] The air-mixing door 6 is opened and closed by the drive mechanism27.

[0222] The drive mechanism 27 comprises a lever 28 for transmitting adriving force to the mode doors M1, M2, M3 and an actuator 29 fordriving the lever 28.

[0223] To remove the instrument panel-side part Rp, first, the fixingmeans, such as screws, connecting the instrument panel-side part Rp andthe fire panel-side part Fp are removed.

[0224] Then, an instrument panel IP is pulled backward in the front-reardirection BB of the vehicle. This separates the instrument panel-sidepart Rp from the fire panel-side part Fp. However, the fire panel-sidepart remains on the vehicle, and only the instrument panel-side part Rpis moved together with the instrument panel IP.

[0225] Since only the instrument panel-side part alone can be removedtogether with the instrument panel IP while allowing the fire panel-sidepart Fp to remain on the vehicle, as described above, the burden on theworkers can be reduced.

[0226] According to the nineteenth embodiment, the above effects (1) and(4) to (7) can be obtained, and further it is possible to obtain thefollowing effects:

[0227] Since the instrument panel-side part Rp of the casing 181 isintegrally connected to the instrument panel IP, the workability on thevehicle production line is improved, and at the same time the componentsmounted on the vehicle can be reduced in size and weight (effects (9)).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0228] As described heretofore, the automotive air conditioner and theinstrument panel module according to the present invention are useful asan automotive air conditioner and an instrument panel module which cancope with a change in the mounting location of a steering member.

1. An automotive air conditioner comprising: a casing having at leastone of air-introducing means for introducing air, blowing means forblowing the air from said air-introducing means, cooling means forcooling the air introduced by said blowing means from saidair-introducing means, heating mans for heating the air introduced bysaid blowing means from said air-introducing means, and air-distributingmeans for distributing the cooled air or the heated air; and a rigidportion formed integrally with said casing and forming part of asteering member extending in a right-left direction of a vehicle.
 2. Anautomotive air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the weight ofsaid casing is divided between front and rear portions of the vehiclewith the steering member as a center.
 3. An automotive air conditioneraccording to claim 1, wherein said casing can be divided at least intoan instrument panel-side portion adjacent to an instrument panel and afire panel-side part adjacent to a fire panel.
 4. An automotive airconditioner according to claim 2, wherein said casing can be divided atleast into an instrument panel-side portion adjacent to an instrumentpanel and a fire panel-side part adjacent to a fire panel.
 5. Anautomotive air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein said instrumentpanel-side part can be removed in one direction.
 6. An automotive airconditioner according to claim 4, wherein said instrument panel-sidepart can be removed in one direction.
 7. An automotive air conditioneraccording to claim 3, wherein air conditioner components including saidcooling means, said heating means, and said air-distributing means aresystematically classified into groups, and wherein ones of said airconditioner components belonging to a first group are assigned to saidinstrument panel-side part, and ones of said air conditioner componentsbelonging to a second group are assigned to said fire panel-side part.8. An automotive air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein airconditioner components including said cooling means, said heating means,and said air-distributing means are systematically classified intogroups, and wherein ones of said air conditioner components belonging toa first group are assigned to said instrument panel-side part, and onesof said air conditioner components belonging to a second group areassigned to said fire panel-side part.
 9. An automotive air conditioneraccording to claim 3, wherein said fire panel-side part is commonlyusable in a plurality of kinds of vehicles, and said instrumentpanel-side part is usable for only a specific kind of vehicles.
 10. Anautomotive air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein said firepanel-side part is commonly usable in a plurality of kinds of vehicles,and said instrument panel-side part is usable for only a specific kindof vehicles.
 11. An instrument panel module comprising: a casing havingat least one of air-introducing means for introducing air, blowing meansfor blowing the air from said air-introducing means, cooling means forcooling the air introduced by said blowing means from saidair-introducing means, heating means for heating the air introduced bysaid blowing means from said air-introducing means, and air-distributingmeans for distributing the cooled air or the heated air; and a steeringmember-accommodating portion formed in said casing, for accommodating asteering member extending in a right-left direction of a vehicle,wherein said casing can be divided at least into an instrumentpanel-side part adjacent to an instrument panel and a fire panel-sidepart adjacent to a fire panel, and wherein the automotive airconditioner is integrally provided on said instrument panel.
 12. Aninstrument panel module comprising: a casing having at least one ofair-introducing means for introducing air, blowing means for blowing theair from said air-introducing means, cooling means for cooling the airintroduced by said blowing means from said air-introducing means,heating means for heating the air introduced by said blowing means fromsaid air-introducing means, and air-distributing means for distributingthe cooled air or the heated air; and a steering memberinterference-avoiding portion formed in said casing, for avoidinginterference with a steering member extending in a right-left directionof a vehicle, wherein said casing can be divided at least into aninstrument panel-side part adjacent to an instrument panel and a firepanel-side part adjacent to a fire panel, and wherein the automotive airconditioner is integrally provided on said instrument panel.
 13. Aninstrument panel module comprising: a casing having at least one ofair-introducing means for introducing air, blowing means for blowing theair from said air-introducing means, cooling means for cooling the airintroduced by said blowing means from said air-introducing means,heating means for heating the air introduced by said blowing means fromsaid air-introducing means, and air-distributing means for distributingthe cooled air or the heated air; and a steering member-arranging spaceportion formed in said casing, for arranging therein a steering memberextending in a right-left direction of a vehicle, wherein said casingcan be divided at least into an instrument panel-side part adjacent toan instrument panel and a fire panel-side part adjacent to a fire panel,and wherein an automotive air conditioner is integrally provided on saidinstrument panel.